Key Highlights
- They finished the regular season with a 3.08 ERA, the lowest across Major League Baseball. Acquiring Mason Miller at the trade deadline was big for the club, but they will be without Robert Suarez in 2026.
- He recently signed a deal with the Atlanta Braves, making for one less high-leverage arm in San Diego'a bullpen. MORE: Phillies urged to get more offensive production outside their Big ThreeESPN analyst believes Padres' bullpen can make or break the club in 2026San Diego will come into the new season without their ace Dylan Cease.
- He signed a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays to help stabilize their rotation. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Padres were able to get a deal done with Michael King, which should make the front office feel a bit better.
- But, without another frontline starter, the bullpen can be used much more than it was in 2025. ESPN's David Schoenfield believes that the club's bullpen performance will either make or break the team's chances this upcoming season."Given some of the current holes on the team...
- the bullpen will have to be the crucial ingredient to success again in 2026, even with closer Robert Suarez heading to Atlanta."That is quite a lot of pressure to put on the bullpen, but the offense could surely help out the club.
